Mangaluru: The Karnataka government is considering a proposal to establish dedicated senior citizens’ organisations in towns across the state, with Mangaluru likely to be chosen for a pilot project, Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader said on Sunday.

The proposed organisations are aimed at bringing senior citizens together and providing them with a platform to remain socially connected, access support and make greater use of their collective experience and knowledge.

Khader made the announcement while addressing the ‘Dhanyatha’ Senior Citizens’ Day celebration held at Prerana Hall in the Red Cross Centenary Building in Mangaluru. The event was jointly organised by the Indian Red Cross Society, Dakshina Kannada District Unit; Rotary International District 3182; District Ex-Servicemen’s Association; Manthana Ojas Trust; and the District Working Journalists’ Association.

He said the government would explore implementing the initiative on a pilot basis in Mangaluru before considering its expansion to other towns.

Speaking about the contribution of senior citizens, Khader said the society enjoyed today had been built on the sacrifices, patience and commitment of previous generations.

He urged younger people to value the wisdom and experiences of their elders and draw inspiration from their lives and ideals.

“A better society has been built today because of the sacrifice, patience and commitment of our elders. The great responsibility of handing this over to the next generation rests with us,” Khader said, stressing the need to ensure that the contribution of senior citizens continues to be recognised and respected.

Rotary District 3181 Governor Sathish Bolar inaugurated the programme, while District Red Cross Society chairman CA Shantharam Shetty presided over the event.

District Ex-Servicemen’s Association vice-president Col AK Jayachandran, Manthana Ojas Trust president Mangala Nandakumar, Working Journalists’ Association president Pushparaj BN, and Rotary Sandhya Suraksha Yojana chairman Anil Rao were among those present.

As part of the celebrations, senior citizens were also provided access to free medical and dental check-ups. The medical camp was organised in collaboration with Yenepoya Ayurvedic Medical College, while the dental camp was conducted in association with Srinivas Institute of Dental Sciences.

The programme also felicitated senior citizens and other achievers in recognition of their contributions and accomplishments.